If you want to fill your screen with rich greenery, grand ivory and blush arrangements, dramatic staircases, and awe-inspiring architecture, this is the feature for you. Morgan and JD’s wedding took their simplistic theme to the next level with vendors that brought the vision to life.
Vase and Vine (florals), Patticakes Bakery (cake), Party Time Rental & Events (linens), focused their expertise on smooth ivory lines and healthy eucalyptus. Fellow vendors Olivia Blair (makeup), Stacee Wright (hair), and She Said Yes in the Heights (bridesmaid & wedding dresses) brought the element of sleek sophistication. Setting the scene for the big day included Last Call Bartending (bar), Gina’s Catering (caterer), Central Arkansas Entertainment (lighting), and last but certainly not least, the glorious Goodwin Manor (ceremony & reception venue).
While each and every one of these vendors completed their role in the most beautiful way, our personal favorites of this wedding was Entice Band (live band) and the harpist for the ceremony music. Not only was it a special treat to see wonderful musicians blessing the couple with their gift, it completed Morgan and JD’s must-have box on their checklist. Cheers you two!
How did you meet?
JD and I met in Physics I lab at the University of Arkansas our sophomore year. I didn’t pay much attention to him at first, but something just changed one day, and I remember him walking in to lab, and I told my friend how much I liked his beard. JD then asked me to attend SAE Champagne formal with him. I was so nervous getting ready that I was over an hour late, and he thought I had stood him up! I still love the first photo we took together that night. We started officially dating in November of 2012, and since then have shared so many experiences together, from college to medical school and now residency for him.
What is your proposal story?
The day of the proposal we went to brunch (typical Morgan & JD), and ate one of the best brunches we’ve ever had. We then went to Forest Park and the Jewel Box, and found a beautiful pond where we shared a moment, and JD asked me to be his wife. Anyone who knows me will not be surprised to find out that I cried and immediately snatched the ring after barely letting him get the words out. We got to spend the rest of the day as a newly engaged couple climbing around the City Museum!
Tell us a little a bit about your wedding (your vision, color, style, and location choices).
I think my style is simple but elegant. I knew from the beginning I wanted to stick to neutrals and lots of greenery. I ended up choosing a color for the bridesmaids dress that I saw and was instantly drawn to, I had never seen anything like it. I didn’t have a particular location in mind, but Goodwin Manor was the first venue we visited and we knew immediately it was the one. I didn’t have many specific requests, I trusted Meredith with the details! I am more of a big picture/gut feeling girl!
Tell us about your attire choices.
I always knew I wanted a lace dress, but I specifically said I didn’t want strapless. That went out the window when I tried on my dress! I found the color I wanted the bridesmaids dresses to be, and chose a simple silhouette gown with a diamond cut out on the back. JD and I then decided grey suits would compliment it nicely!
What was the most important to the two of you while planning? Was there anything that you chose to splurge on or skip?
We always knew that we wanted a live band, that was non-negotiable. So we did have to cut some corners on a few things. I would have done more decorations and flowers probably, but I love how everything turned out.
What were your favorite parts of the day? (memories and stories)
Our first look was such a special moment and a huge relief. You definitely start to get nervous as the day goes on, and it took all the tension away. I loved getting ready with my bridesmaids and family before that and hanging out with every one after the first look. We also chose to have a private dinner in the wine cellar right after the ceremony. It was extremely important to us to have this time alone, and I’m so glad we did.
Tell us about your wedding flowers.
I went for a simple white and blush pallet with lots of greenery. My favorite piece was a large installment we did over the entryway, and I also loved the anemone boutonnieres. We did two large arrangements at the altar, which were repurposed for the reception.
Tell us about your wedding cake.
Our cake was four tiers, traditional white, chocolate, strawberry and another chocolate topper. We saved the top tier to eat on our one year. I wanted to save the actual cake from the reception so it would have the “wedding magic.” We did a fun Arkansas-themed marbled cake for the grooms cake. I’m told the cake was excellent, but I was so busy that I didn’t get a piece!
Please describe any DIY, handmade, or personal details.
It was important to me that I get bridal pictures with my cat, Fitzgerald. They turned out great despite his unwillingness to cooperate! I wanted to do something a little more casual and comfortable for the getting ready outfits and went with plaid button-ups that I pieced together myself. I love the way those pictures turned out. My Nana made my garters for the occasion and was sure to include something blue.
Did you include any family heirlooms or special traditions?
I wore my great grandmother’s pearls, which was always a wish of my mother and grandmother. She was a special lady.
Do you have any advice for couples planning their weddings now?
Don’t let the stress of planning take away from the enjoyment of this time in your life. Make sure you are still taking time for each other and learning how to become better life partners. Even if you’ve been together for a long time, marriage is a different level of commitment and should be treated accordingly. We were together six years before getting married, and we still grow and change everyday! Don’t forget the marriage for the wedding!